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Ziziphus Jujube is an interesting deciduous tree with spiny, gnarled branches and an open, irregular form. Growing at a moderate pace, Ziziphus Jujube reaches anywhere from 15 to 35 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 30 feet and can be trained to a single trunk. Most unpruned plants grow with several trunks. The mottled gray/black bark is rough and shaggy. The one to two-inch-long leaves have a paler underside and sharp spines at the base of each leaf. The flower comes from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The color is often a showy yellow, but not consistent. In spring, small clusters of yellow or white, fragrant blossoms appear, hidden in foliage between the leaf and stems. The one-inch-long green fruits ripen to dark red and finally black. Eaten either fresh, candied, canned, or dried like dates, these fruits are quite sweet. Even young, two-year-old trees are able to produce these delectable treats.

Ziziphus Jujube should be grown in full sun or partial shade on any well-drained soil, acid or alkaline. Plants do not do well on heavy clay or swampy soils. Propagation is by seed, suckers, or grafting. Young plants transplant easily.

Ziziphus jujube fruit is mealy and sourish-sweet in taste. Jujube fruit is both a delicious fruit and an effective herbal remedy. It aids weight gain, improves muscular strength and increases stamina.